The Hill Climb Results

Sarah's first attempt at a hill climb

Hill climbs come, Hill climbs go, but this was as close to club/course records as has been for many years. Conditions were cool but not cold with a slightly cross  tailwind towards the finish. Talking records, we had 15 riders go for the challenge, the most for quite a few years.

With several changes of bike “Turbo Will” gave it some beans coming out with a cracking time of 1:36 (sorry no hundredths) just clear of Young “Humming Bird legs Fallon”. Now if ever there was a smile Matt  had it all the way home afterwards. 

Once again Nick showed how strong he is on hills tying with Markus. The sight of him finishing, trying to chase little Tom down for the line will stick with me for ever. When shouting to Tom to sprint up the hill, he started to pull away from Mark in the last 100 metres. Sorry Mark, couldn’t resist it……

Fallon uses the zig zag method after the wheelie start

"The Destroyer" now with a hen house of training partners monstered a ride 9 seconds faster than last year. Where did that come from? I suspect he’s been training his lad up for the race only for him to go to the bike show. 

Hereford Dave undertakes a car holding him up

Talking of improvements, Adam found 18 seconds over last years effort. I suspect he’s been training just for the hill climb!

We may have a champion In “The Missile”, but he has the same problem as me, sprinters don’t go up hill. He did however bring his own supporters to cheer on the hill. I was expecting Max to fly up the hill, but looking back through the history, this was his first  attempt at the course. Next year could see a different story. 

Jeniffer faster than the shutter speed

James having already escorted Tom up found 4 seconds over last year’s ride to tie with yours truly. First lady home this year was Sarah in her first go at a hill climb. She at first didn’t think she’d done that well, but on the way home the penny dropped that she was only a hand full of seconds  behind me, making  her effort all the more special.  

 Paul F rode up the hill on his winter hack, starting with a monster wheelie as he put the power down, even surprising himself. Jen was a little disappointed with last year’s ride so came with a bit more gusto this year knocking 19 seconds off last years’ time. I’m sure there’s more to come. 

The Missile  on what looks like a children's bike, note mudguards and lights

Next up was little Tom. We have a real star in the making, what with his exploits in mountain bike races, I think I’m right in thinking he’s down the velodrome and showing Mr. Raddenbury how to sprint up hill, sorry, didn’t mean to mention that again. Last man home David wanted value for money. Hope he enjoyed the company and the course.

Thanks this week to Julie at the start and Bill at the finish. Also thanks to Paul Fallon & Clive "The Animal" Newey for pushing off. 

Rider of the Day was a tough decision for many different reasons, but after much thought it would be wrong not to give it to Will. That course record is now so close!

Vintage Tankard is next week. The team is looking good. If you want food please contact Martin Green, info on the previous e-mail tonight.